Beer styles in the US

[croc4]

I was wondering if there were prevailing beer styles for certain areas within the U.S. that are distinctly a signature of the area?

For example,

Steam beer - West / California

but are there others?
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[sallad]

the pacific northwest, being a major hops-producing area, is known for very hoppy pale ales.. well, hoppy beers in general.

[newportstorm]

Well, a lot of West Coast breweries are known for their aggressively hopped (Cascades most often) IPAs and Pale Ales.

And many New England breweries use Ringwood yeast which imparts certain fruity flavors.

And I know the midwest is home to many German immigrants and have their share of Octoberfest celebrations. However, I haven't travelled to the midwest very much and don't know if Ofests, Vienna Lagers, etc. are more prevalent or not.

Cheers!

[croc4]

Interesting, thanks, I thought the west coast did tend to be hoppier (serria navada, drakes IPA, fullsail, etc), but
I read a post on this board that said most american micro's/macro's tended to be hoppier (an american signature), so I wasn't sure if this was a national or regional distinction.
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[newportstorm]

Originally posted by croc4
Interesting, thanks, I thought the west coast did tend to be hoppier (serria navada, drakes IPA, fullsail, etc), but
I read a post on this board that said most american micro's/macro's tended to be hoppier (an american signature), so I wasn't sure if this was a national or regional distinction.


American brewers certainly love their hops and seem to be leading the charge for so-called Imperial IPAs, but many American breweries (Maine comes to mind) prefer to build their flavors with malt and even their IPAs are more English in nature.

America is truly the most diverse brewing nation around.

Cheers!

[b3s]

don't know about the midwest in general, but i know that milwaukee hosts some decent lagers :D

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by newportstorm
American brewers certainly love their hops and seem to be leading the charge for so-called Imperial IPAs, but many American breweries (Maine comes to mind) prefer to build their flavors with malt and even their IPAs are more English in nature.

America is truly the most diverse brewing nation around.

Cheers!

I really like Maine's breweries. That is one of the principle reasons I am considering retiring there. Both my wife and I love Maine.

[le qwak]

I would say that the distinctive characteristic of
American beers are their hop prominence.
Being a hophead myself I say this is good.
However malt balance in a very hoppy beer is
critical. I've had my share of "unbalanced" beers
were the hop bitterness & astringincy overwhelmed
the beer. The hophead's delight is beer that perfectly
balances intense hop flavor with a malt "body" to match.
some of my favorites:(not necessarily in order)
1) Rogue: Red,Dead Guy
2)Victory Hop Devil,Prima Pils(quite hoppy for a pils!!)
3)Tuppers Hop Pocket
4)GLB Burning River pale
5)Steel River Pale (though I haven't had it for years)
6)Sierra Neveda Celebration(OUTSTANDING!!) & SN pale
7)Dogfishhead 60,90 & 120 Minute IPA's
8)3 Floyds Alpha King

P.S who says the east coast can't make a hop masterpiece!!!

[bhoshour]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I really like Maine's breweries. That is one of the principle reasons I am considering retiring there. Both my wife and I love Maine.

Chaz, give Shipyard Brewery a try if you haven't already. They're based out of Maine and have some great brews. Shipyard Ale is a winner!!

[chazwicke]

Oh yes, I've been to Both Shipyard in Portland and Federal Jacks in Kennebunkport many times. Very good beer. I am a fan of the Ringwood yeast strain and most of the Pugsley brews. I would like to get a complete set of the new Battleground Ale bottles featuring the portraits of 12 Civil War Generals. Any year round Mainers who may have them for sale? I am an avid breweriana collector and I try to specialize in Maine, Virginia, Washington DC and items from Greene King & Sons from England. Thanks for the recommendation of Shipyard products. I agree they are very good.